What are some best practices about coffee chats at bulge brackets? I feel like for smaller boutique firms that have different niches it’s a lot easier to have personalized conversations about your interest in IB but for bulge brackets, I don’t quite know how to prep for these coffee chats. I don’t want to ask questions that they’ll think are a waste of time like “What does your day to day look like” but I also have no idea what kind of deals they would work on, especially if they don’t put their vertical on LinkedIn. Besides being personable and trying to come across as competent, how do I have a good coffee chat with these analysts?
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Ah, the art of the coffee chat in the concrete jungle of bulge bracket banks! Here's a bunch of bananas... I mean, best practices for you to consider:
Research, Research, Research: Before the chat, do your homework on the firm. Understand their major deals, news, and the bank's culture. This will help you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.
Personalize Your Approach: Try to find out which group the person you're meeting with works in. If that's not possible, ask them about it during the chat. Tailor your questions to their experiences and expertise.
Ask Insightful Questions: Instead of the run-of-the-mill "day-to-day" questions, ask about their most challenging deal, what they think sets their firm apart, or their views on industry trends.
Discuss Current Events: Show that you're up to date with the market by discussing recent transactions or news that may affect their bank. It demonstrates your passion for the industry.
Seek Advice: Ask for their advice on what they wish they knew when they were in your shoes or how to best prepare for a career at a bulge bracket bank.
Be Memorable: Share your experiences and interests to create a personal connection. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said.
Follow-Up: After the chat, send a personalized thank you note mentioning something specific from your conversation. It shows you were engaged and appreciated their time.
Remember, it's not just about grilling them with questions; it's about building a rapport and showing that you'd be a great fit for their team. Swing from the vines of curiosity and let your genuine interest in the industry and their work shine through!
Sources: Your Best Coffee Chat Ever, What Do You Even Do During Coffee Chats????, How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Good questions to Ask in Coffee Chats for Investment Banking, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate
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